Birdland

Also known as "The Jazz Corner of the World". Legendary 1949 to 1965 New York jazz club. For the current jazz club in New York City called Birdland, please use: New Birdland, New York City, NY. Do not confuse with the Birdland Series by Roulette Records Birdland opened on December 15, 1949 at 1678 Broadway, just north of West 52nd Street. Named Birdland after Charlie Parker's nickname to cash in on his popularity. Parker himself only performed in the club on a few occasions. The club mainly billed bop artist and many of these released live recordings from Birdland. In 1959 one of the original nine owners, Irving Levy, was stabbed to death at the club. In 1964 the club filed for bankruptcy. One of the creditors was Gerry Mulligan. An attempt at booking more traditional jazz artists didn't profit and the original club closed in 1965. Some 20 years later - in 1986 - a new club named Birdland opened in 2745 Broadway at 105th Street, in 1997 re-located to 315 West 44th Street, between 8th & 9th Avenues. Also in 1986 jazz drummer Al Williams (8) opened Birdland West in Long Beach, California.